Energy
Order No. 430.310-1
Revised December 2015
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Sunlight to Electricity in One Step
The principle behind conversion of solar energy to electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells is described.
The photovoltaic effect produces electrical energy from a 'free' renewable source, the sun. It holds promise for
remote energy supply where conventional nonrenewable energy is not practical.
Photovoltaic Principle
The photovoltaic effect is one in which sunlight is
converted directly into electricity. The conversion takes
place within the solar or photovoltaic cell. A number of
cells are wired together to form a panel. A group of panels
is described as a photovoltaic array (see Figure 1). Each
panel shown is approximately 0.3 mm by 1.2 m.
Figure 1
Factsheet 430.310-1
The solar cells are actually semi-conductor
devices made of two very thin layers of specially
treated material, commonly silicon. When light
falls on the cell, photons are absorbed and
electrons set free. Excess electrons accumulate on
the negative side of the cell. If a wire is connected
between the two layers, one positive and one
negative, a flow of electrons occurs. This becomes
an electrical source able to power a motor, lights
etc. The incoming sunlight keeps the process
going (see Figure 2).
A Ten Panel Photovoltaic Array
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manufacturing method uses amorphous silicon, which
is pure silicon, not crystalline. Very thin films can
convert sunlight into electricity using a small amount
of material. This method is very inexpensive
compared to the polysilicon process. However, the
conversion efficiency is much lower, typically about
1/3 less. With a better understanding of the
amorphous solar cells, this process may have an
impact on photovoltaic pricing. Currently amorphous
cells power small devices such as watches and
calculators.
Agriculture Uses of Photovoltaics
Figure 2
Photovoltaic Cell Cutaway
Silicon Solar Cell Output
With the present cost of panels at approximately $2 to
$5 per watt, their use is not restricted to special or low
power conditions. Manufacturing and design
improvements were made in recent years that reduced
costs and therefore expanded the possible
applications.
An early agricultural use was as a trickle charger for
battery powered electric fences. This low power
demand requires a small cell area and is inexpensive.
It can extend the life of the battery as well as reduce
fence-checking time.
The amount of current produced by the solar cell is
proportional to the amount of sunlight falling on the
cell. Current increases with cell area exposed, as well
as light intensity. The voltage depends on the cell
material and remains approximately constant with
changes in light. All silicon cells produce about 1/2
volt per cell so a 33 cell photovoltaic panel can
produce about 16 volts. Panels can be wired in series
to raise the output voltage or in parallel to increase the
current.
Another use is photovoltaic powered pumping of
livestock water on rangeland.
Manufacturing Methods Determine
Cost
Photovoltaics Future
Silicon solar cells are formed by a silicon crystal
process or the use of amorphous or non-crystalline
silicon. Most commonly used is the silicon crystal
process. Slow cooling of molten silicon produces an
ingot or solid block of larger than normal crystals
called polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon). This
process is less expensive than growing single crystal
silicon although it is somewhat less efficient in
converting sunlight to electricity. The ingot is then
sawn into thin wafers. Newer processes form the
polysilicon directly into thin sheets. Another
Factsheet 430.310-1
Other possibilities are for such things as energy for frostfree water troughs during the winter, pumping water for
low demand trickle irrigation systems or other low
energy requirement systems.
Solar cells are unique energy producers because they
neither consume nor give off any material. The panels
are sealed units. The material does not change shape or
form, as atoms are not moving, only electrons. This is
reflected in the typical photovoltaic panel warranty of 10
years with no more than a 10 percent power loss. As
panel costs come down, photovoltaics will be considered
wherever remote power is required. As a renewable
energy source, the future for photovoltaics looks bright.
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References and Further Reading
1. “Photovoltaics” P. Maycock and E. Stirewalt, Brick
House Pub. Co., Andover, Mass., USA.
2. “Photovoltaics-Technical Information Guide”
Solar Energy Research Institute, Publication
Number SERI/SP-271-2452, Feb., 1985.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Phone:
604.556.3001
Toll Free:
1.888.221.7141
Factsheet 430.310-1
3. “Solar Energy in America” W. Metz and A.
Hammond, American Association for the
Advancement of Science, Publication No, 78-10.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
1767 Angus Campbell Road
Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2M3
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